Marketing, advertising & media intelligence

Why we like it: Lance Wiggs may have gone cold on the airline after its decision to drop BNZ as its Airpoints partner—among other things—but plenty of New Zealanders have a soft spot for the airline and are proud of how its represents the nation. And this dose of aviation nostalgia shows how 'nothing has changed'. Sort of.

Who's it for: Westpac by DDB

Why we like it: The power of the Air New Zealand brand—and the lure of 'free' flights—has been proven in the past week, with all Air New Zealand's Airpoints partners taking the opportunity to try and get a few new credit card customers. As the newest partner, Westpac is leading the charge. And it lets the pictures do the talking in this 30 second ad.

Who's it for: Toyota by Saatchi & Saatchi and Media Blanco

Why we like it: Established brands talking up their reliability—and playing on the fear of being ripped off—is a classic approach. But adding Dai Henwood to the mix and showing the people who benefit from corner cutting makes it so much better.

Who's it for: Air New Zealand by FCB

Why we like it: While some commentors criticised its derivativeness (Southern Comfort, Dos Equis or Cadbury?), you can't really go wrong with a smooth customer, a great track and a good app.

Who's it for: William Hill by Clemenger BBDO Sydney and The Sweet Shop

Why we like it: Aside from the Kiwi connection of Campbell Hooper and Jack Delmonte and Hadleigh Sinclair, it's a paean to the power of decision making—and the joy of meat pies.

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23 years ago I did an interactive promotion with James Kwok at Saatchis for Bluebird potato chips on TV2 at 7.30 pm. Two years later I was doing websites for the likes of Sun Direct Insurance and more with Howdo. ...

Congrats on 25 years Simon - since leaving the industry 11 years ago (!) I've looked on at FCB doing some great work. Good luck with the future - I can thoroughly recommend life after advertising. Cheers Brett Atkinson

Simon - You have been a wonderful servant to the industry and in recent years to FCB. I do recall quite some years ago in a short time working together- probably in your first 5 and nearing my 20th - ...

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Why we like it: While a carol by Ronan Keating gets the Christmas feels going, it's great to see Julian Dennison put Keating in his place to make sure the tune is true to New Zealand. It's not a Kiwi summer without glistening bros, prickles and popping the plug out of your jandals. And this spot definitely gets bonus points for the showcasing what is truly meme-worthy face of 'Sad Ronan', as he sulks on the kerb. No doubt this ad will be making its way across the airwaves all Christmas.

Who's it for: Rebel Sport by Ogilvy

Why we like it: This video featuring Eric Thomas, an American motivational speaker, author and minister, follows on from an earlier Rebel Sport ad that uses Thomas to tell the story of All Black Malakai Fekitoa. That ad asked athletes to find their 'why', and now Thomas is back to tell athletes why their 'why' is so important. "Look around your own environment and whose life would be better off if your life was great?" he asks audiences before delving into his own past to show the importance of his 'why'. Thomas engages viewers from the start, and the pairing of his message with images of athletes giving it their all makes for a powerful spot that can't be ignored.

Who's it for: BNZ by Krunch

Why we like it: Contactless payment is nothing new and mobile payment has also been seen before in ANZ's Apple Pay, but this ad rises to the challenge of reintroducing it in an exciting way. Not only does the cute dog do the job successfully, the supporting videos use a baby, a rugby ball and jandals to make the payments. While we don't expect to see anyone whipping those out of their handbags or back pockets to pay for Christmas shopping, the proposed methods show BNZ customers who don't have an Android phone that there are other options for them.

Who's it for: Sky by DDB and Flying Fish

Why we like it: While Sky's programme offering covers more than just sport, the tension and elation when watching a game is something many Kiwis can relate to. And in this spot, Sky takes centre stage as the deliverer of the anxiety, ecstasy and camaraderie that comes with watching the big game. It certainly serves as a compelling reminder that Sky remains the go-to place for New Zealand's most popular sports.